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14. Pittsburgh Steelers
Point Differential: 21st
Points Per Game: 28th
Offensive EPA: 23rd
Defensive EPA: 7th
Dropback EPA: 8th
Run Game EPA: 11th
This year’s only playoff team with a negative point differential, the Steelers are built on defense despite their recent increased offensive success under No. 3 QB Mason Rudolph. So you could say it’s not great news that DROY-contender and NFL sack leader T.J. Watt is going to miss the Wild Card Round with a sprained MCL. That leaves the Steelers needing somewhere between a flush and a full house to upset the Bills. Pittsburgh is not a one-man band on defense, while Buffalo is more vulnerable than in years past, not to mention more vulnerable than your typical No. 2 seed. This Watt-less, Rudolph-led group is simply the least likely of the postseason’s 14 teams to win a game.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Point Differential: 13th
Points Per Game: 20th
Offensive EPA: 12th
Defensive EPA: 18th
Dropback EPA: 22nd
Run Game EPA: 5th
The Bucs actually enter the postseason as a more well-rounded group than last year’s Tom Brady-led squad — they have a winning record and positive point differential, for starters — but their path has narrowed as Baker Mayfield’s play has tailed off with a recent wave of injuries, none more painful than a rib issue that had him literally gasping for air in Week 18. Mayfield, of course, has a history of playing hurt, but it’s not a good history. Unlike the Steelers, it would not take a miracle for the Bucs to beat the Eagles. The game is in Tampa and Philly is a shell of its former self. It’s just that, even if they spring the upset, there is no path to them doing it two more times and reaching the Super Bowl. The Bucs are a nice story soon set to get an ending.
12. Houston Texans
Point Differential: 12th
Points Per Game: 13th
Offensive EPA: 15th
Defensive EPA: 14th
Dropback EPA: 20th
Run Game EPA: 6th
Surprise playoff runs are about X-factors and wild cards. The Texans have one in sensational rookie C.J….
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-playoff-power-rankings-054147236.html
Author : NBC Sports
Publish date : 2024-01-12 05:41:47
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